The technology in the hair transplant field has come along way especially in the last 15 years. The discovery of naturally occurring follicular units, and the ability to use a microscope to dissect hair into follicular units means that a hair transplant can be virtually 100% natural.

The most established follicular unit technology is the strip method. In the strip method, a strip of skin is taken from the back and sides of the head and then dissected into follicular units (grafts) and then placed into the thinning area into small holes. In experienced hands, the results can be spectacular. However, in a small percentage of cases the door scar did not heal well or widened. This led to the idea of transplanting hair into the scar to make it less obvious. The hair was harvested from the back and sides of the head one at a time by using a small punch biopsy so that it would not leave behind a very visible scar. This was the birth of the FUE (follicular unit extraction).

Initially the FUE was designed for small cases where only a few grafts were needed. With the FUE method you cannot see the root of the grafts until it is pulled out of the head. As a result, traditionally there is a high rate of transection which means the root of the follicle is cut and will not grow. This was considered acceptable since only a small number of grafts were needed. Since the FUE method leaves very small scars that are very hard to see, many doctors started promoting the FUE method as an alternative to the strip method.

The FUE has been promoted as a “scarless” surgery. This is not true. It is true that often the scars are so small that a patient can wear the hair very short. The technology for the FUE has evolved and now there are powered drills that help take out larger number of grafts in a more efficient manner. However, for reasons we do not understand, sometimes even when large number of “good ” FUE grafts are planted in a FUE transplant, many will not grow. I am sure that with time the technology will improve.

A word of caution about the FUE. It does leave a scar. If a hair transplant is done using 2000 grafts for example, then the patient will be left with 2000 little scars. This may not be a problem the first time. However, if a patient needs a second transplant with 2000 grafts, then he will have a total of 4000 little scars at the back of his head. This can leave the patient with a “swiss cheese“ look. Furthermore, it becomes more and more difficult to find “good grafts” amongst the scarring in the donor area when the FUE is used. Typically with the strip method one scar is all that is produced no matter how many surgeries.

Recently, a news show showed a new machine that takes out follicular units automatically using the FUE method. This new machine was marketed as being the “latest breakthrough” in hair transplant technology. In fact, the machine has been around for many years and was not considered a reliable method of doing the FUE. I know for fact that the company who makes the machine has improved the technology and that it is now at the 7th generation with the device. This is good news. Myself and other hair transplant doctors are waiting to see how well the machine performs before considering routinely using such as a device.

However, it seems that some doctors are now purchasing the new machine with the intent of performing hair transplants when they have little or no experience performing hair transplants. A hair transplant is a very delicate procedure that takes an entire team of people to perform. It takes a lot of practice and experience to do a good hair transplant.

There are many reputable hair transplant doctors who feel that it is not appropriate for non-experienced doctors to jump on the bandwagon and perform hair transplants because “the machine will do all the work”. If a machine could perform all the technical aspects of a hair transplant, you still need a doctor to plan and design the transplant. You can’t just put hair anywhere! You need to plan for future hair loss. A doctor needs to have the artistic skills produce a natural hairline and understand donor recipient ratios and density gradients. Think of it this way: there are air guns that will put nails into wood boards very quickly and efficiently. However, you wouldn’t let a machine build your house – you still need a contractor who knows how to build a house!

There is a time and a situation where any technology will serve you well. Make SURE you speak to an experienced professional who can offer the right technique for you!

* Additionally you can visit the International Hair Restoration Surgery website (www.ishrs.org) and read their position paper on the FUE method.

Dr. Nelson Ferreira, B.Sc., CCFP, MD
Medical Director, Sure Hair International
2115 Finch Ave. W, Suite 401,
Toronto, M3N 2V6
Tel: 416-747-7873 Fax: 416-747-7441
Email: care@surehair.com

admin Hair Care, Hair clinic, Hair Loss, Hair Replacement Hair Loss, hair pieces, Hair Replacement, hair restoration, hair transplant, hair transplants, natural hair regrowth

Hair transplant statistics recorded by GreyHairLoss.com demonstrates a 34% increase in the total number of restoration surgeries related to hair in 2006, as compared to the 2004 figures. In 2006, there were 226,000 hair transplants conducted worldwide, 53% of which was performed in the US.

Society has always regarded hair and hairstyles as a key element of physical beauty. Therefore, the problem of hair loss is, indeed, very stressful for most men and women. Hair loss may occur due to improper lifestyle, poor nutrition, medical conditions or pollution. It can also occur due to hormonal changes and genetics. Whatever the reason, the fact is that 40% of all men face conspicuous hair fall by the age of 35, while 30% of all women experience a similar condition by 60. Hair replacements seem to be the most reliable method of regaining that youthful look and restoring a sense of self worth.

Types of Hair Transplants
There are two methods by which hair transplants are carried out:

Surgical: Advancing technology has brought about major advancements in the hair transplantation field. Nowadays, high power microscopes allow doctors to remove and replace hair in the way nature had intended. The existing hair is taken out and dissected into naturally-occurring follicular units, which are the anatomical building blocks of natural hair in the scalp. Hair replacement surgeries utilize these units to produce natural results.

The process is conducted by the ‘Uni Strand’ TM Strip method. The hair in the required portion is taped with hair clips; the area (approximately 1/6.30 cm) is covered and trimmed. Hair is left in the remaining portion of the head to allow normal hair styles. A good surgeon will ensure that the hair above the incision envelops the stitches, making the marks invisible. The area is then frozen with local anesthetic and the hair in the donor strip is carefully removed. With a single stitch, the area where the donor strip is taken from is closed. The actual time of incision is less than two minutes.

After this, each follicular unit is separated from the strip and dissected to create the ‘Uni-Graft’. These grafts are refrigerated while waiting for placement in the thinning scalp of the recipient. After this, the new hair can be planted in the donor area.

Non-surgical: This procedure entails the NT system, which perfectly suits those who cannot opt for or prefer not to have transplants. This can be donned as a permanent or semi-permanent accessory. Hair is inserted into the second layer of the skin. The attachment can be adjusted to match up to the ongoing hair loss.
The attachment, in case of a non-surgical procedure, and the stitch, in case of the surgical process, will be indistinguishable if applied by the experts operating at the Sure Hair clinic.

admin Hair Care, Hair clinic, Hair Loss, Hair Replacement hair transplant, hair transplants

Initially, the clinic only offered non surgical hair systems. In 1996 with the introduction of microscopes to hair transplantation, Sure Hair began exploring and researching surgical hair transplant procedures. The company has now grown to three locations in the GTA with a modern state-of-the-art surgical center next to the Humber River Hospital, in the medical building at Hwy 400 and Finch.

We have since performed over 1500 successful hair transplants, without one report of hair not growing. We are very proud of our success in this area. Sure Hair is now a teaching facility for out of town doctors looking to learn about our new Uni-Stand method of hair transplantation developed by Dr. Nelson Ferreira M.D – Medical Director of Sure Hair. Dr. Ferreira joined Sure Hair in 2005. We are very excited at some of the new developments Dr. Ferreira has brought to the center, both improving the density of our hairlines, and increasing patient comfort with his proprietary ‘’gentle touch technique’’.

The Mississauga, Concord, Hamilton, Kitchener and London locations all offer a wider range of services such as treating early hair loss with Surethik products, FDA approved laser treatments and our exclusive NT hair systems for men and women. We are considered pioneers in this area in Canada and have treated over 5000 clients, both men and women, with various treatments. We employ over 25 people in our locations and have a dedicated team of hair care professionals that always put our clients first.

Sure Hair International has grown to become one of the most dominant hair replacement companies in Canada offering the best technology and highest quality hair replacement products and services. When you visit a Sure Hair location, you will rarely find a better service, better price, better guarantee anywhere. This has been the key to Sure Hair’s continuous success.

admin Hair clinic FDA approved laser treatments, hair care professionals, Hair clinic, hair transplant, hair transplantation, non surgical hair systems, Sure Hair International, surgical hair transplant procedures